Construction & Built Environment - LEVEL 2 & 3

U-Skills Academy Construction

Discover if carpentry is the right career path for you while still in secondary school!


Quick Facts

Locations
UCOL Manawatū in Palmerston North, UCOL Whanganui, UCOL Wairarapa in Masterton, Ōtaki
Dates

Starting: Week of 09 Feb 2026

Finishing: Week ending 25 Sep 2026

Level 2, 26 Credits

Delivery days:

Palmerston North - Tuesdays

Whanganui - Fridays

Level 2, 25 Credits

Delivery day:

Ōtaki - Wednesdays

Level 3, 22 Credits

Delivery days:

Palmerston North - Mondays

Whanganui - Fridays

Masterton - Thursdays

Ōtaki - Fridays


View Timetable
Domestic Fees
Fees-free.

Application Forms

Overview

Discover the range of job opportunities the building and construction industries offer!

This programme enables you to work towards NCEA Level 2 or 3 whilst experiencing some of what the trade has to offer.

You will gain knowledge and practical skills in a range of areas, including:

  • Health and safety

  • Carpentry

  • Joinery

  • Power tools

  • Lay pavers

  • Concrete

  • Interior systems

How to apply

If you're interested in applying for this programme, talk to your careers advisor at school. Application is arranged in partnership with your parents/caregivers and your school. Once you've talked to everyone required, you can use the form at the top of the page to apply.

Course Hours

Delivered from 9am - 3pm in each location.


Level 2, 26 Credits

Delivery days:

Palmerston North - Tuesdays

Whanganui - Fridays

Level 2, 25 Credits

Delivery day:

Ōtaki - Wednesdays

Level 3, 22 Credits

Delivery days:

Palmerston North - Mondays

Whanganui - Fridays

Masterton - Thursdays

Ōtaki - Fridays

Course Information

The UCOL Academy Construction Programme (Level 2) in Otaki comprises 25 Credits.

(Wednesdays)

Unit Standard 19238 (Level 2) (Version 5) (4 Credits)

Lay Paving blocks as a BCATS project.

Unit Standard 12933 (Level 2) (Version 5) (6 Credits)

Complete minor concrete works as a BCATS project.

Unit Standard 24357 (Level 2) (Version 3) (4 Credits)

Receive instructions and communicate information in relation to BCATS projects.

Unit Standard 12936 (Level 2) (Version 6) (8 Credits)

Construct a non-consent timber framed utility building as a BCATS project.

Unit Standard 24361 (Level 2) (Version 3) (3 Credits)

Apply mathematical processes to BCATS projects.

The UCOL Academy Construction Programme (Level 2) in Manawatū and Whanganui comprises 26 Credits.

Manawatū (Tuesday), Whanganui (Friday)

Unit Standard 19238 (Level 2) (Version 5) (4 Credits)

Lay Paving blocks as a BCATS project.

Unit Standard 12927 (Level 2) (Version 5) (6 Credits)

Identify, select, maintain, and use hand tools for BCATS projects.

Unit Standard 24350 (Level 2) (Version 3) (6 Credits)

Identify, select, maintain, and use portable power tools for BCATS projects.

Unit Standard 24354 (Level 2) (Version 3) (4 Credits)

Demonstrate knowledge of and apply safe working practices in a BCATS environment

Unit Standard 25921 (Level 2) (Version 3) (6 Credits)

Make a cupboard as a BCATS project

The UCOL Academy Construction Programme (Level 3) comprises 22 Credits.

Otaki (Friday) Manawatū (Monday) Wairarapa (Friday) Whanganui (Friday)

Unit Standard 29677 (Level 3) (Version 1) (2 Credits)

Follow safe workplace practices and contribute to a health and safety culture in a BCATS environment.

Unit Standard 29680 (Level 3) (Version 1) (5 Credits)

Communicate and work collaboratively in a Stage 3 BCATS project.

Unit Standard 29681 (Level 3) (Version 1) (3 Credits)

Measure and calculate for a Stage 3 BCATS project.

Unit Standard 29684 (Level 3) (Version 1) (12 Credits)

Undertake a Stage 3 BCATS project.

Learning Facilities

UCOL's dedicated trades facility.

Domestic Entry Requirements

For year 11 - 13 secondary school learners (NZ Citizens, permanent residents or learners with an applicable visa allowing them to be enrolled in a secondary school).

Applications are to be received from participating schools.

Recommended school subjects include:

  • Maths

  • English

  • Technology

  • Computing

International Entry Requirements

Not applicable.

Career Opportunities

Successful completion of the UCOL Academy Construction Programme is the first step in a journey. Equipped with new skills and a taste for the industry, you will know what you need to do to pursue a career in carpentry, demolition, excavation, concreting, architectural design, quantity surveying, joinery, flooring, scaffolding, tiling or glazing.

If this is for you, you can undertake further tertiary studies in:

To find out more about possible job prospects and salaries for Carpenters and Joiners and Construction workers, visit tahatu.govt.nz

Advice And Guidance

This short course is part of a suite of Academy programmes offered by UCOL to secondary learners seeking to explore their career options while still in school. Gain practical experience and NCEA Credits.

How to apply

If you're interested in applying for the UCOL Academy Construction Programme, talk to your careers advisor at school. Application is arranged in partnership with your parents/caregivers and your school.

Cost

Fees-free when criteria are met.

Transport

Transport assistance is available if you meet the criteria.

Attendance expectations

Learners must maintain appropriate attendance at both secondary school and Academy to remain enrolled in the Academy Programme.

Additional Costs

There are no additional costs associated with this programme. Simply, bring a pen, paper and your lunch each week.